ARLINGTON, Texas – The first play that Lane Kififn drew up against his old team on Saturday was not exactly conventional.
Kiffin, who begins his third season as the offensive coordinator for Alabama, called an end-around that receiver ArDarius Stewart took for 17 yards against the Trojans.
But it was generally a slow start for the Crimson Tide’s offense, as it punted on four of its first five possessions. Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts also fumbled near midfield, one that was recovered by USC inside linebacker Cameron Smith.
USC coaches downplayed the significance of facing Kififn earlier in the week.